Keeping Everyone in the Pack, by Jonathan Broekman
Category Motivation
I hope your Easter weekend was meaningful and restful. Mine was filled with family, friends and the rare opportunity to slow down and reflect - something I value immensely. As I sat enjoying my favourite coffee, a few thoughts lingered in my mind and I'd like to share them with you.
Life often brings a mix of things we're grateful for, alongside moments that frustrate or challenge us. During the quiet moments of my weekend, I found myself reflecting on how easily we let daily frustrations overshadow the many positive experiences we encounter. It struck me how often small irritations - traffic delays, misunderstandings or even minor inconveniences - can dominate our thoughts... if we let them. Yet, when we deliberately shift our focus toward gratitude, even the smallest joys begin to stand out more vividly.
For instance, I caught myself feeling deeply appreciative of simple moments that we often overlook: the sound of laughter shared around a dinner table, the warmth of sunlight breaking through after a cloudy day and even the comforting routine of preparing that first morning cup of coffee. Each of these small moments felt amplified simply because I had chosen to acknowledge them intentionally.
The more I considered this, the clearer it became that adopting a grateful mindset isn't something passive - it's an active, conscious decision we have to make each day. It's easy to say we're thankful, but truly living with gratitude requires mindfulness and consistent effort. (On this note, I had to smile quietly to myself as I thought about my recent podcast interview with Louise Janovsky from Coaching For Clarity, where she shared that lasting change comes from implementing consistent choices that become habits over time! - Thanks, Louise.)
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a Jewish wedding and was deeply moved by two particular aspects of the celebration. First was the incredible sense of community. Everyone present actively participated in celebrating the union and the feeling of togetherness was palpable. It reminded me once again of how vital community is in our lives, providing support, joy and a sense of belonging.
Secondly, the powerful symbolism of the rituals during the ceremony left a lasting impression on me. The canopy or Chuppah, under which the bride and groom stood, symbolising the home they're creating together - open yet protected, welcoming yet intimate. Then the breaking of the glass at the conclusion of the ceremony poignantly representing the fragility of human relationships and the importance of treating each other with care and respect. These meaningful rituals serve as profound reminders of the values we can bring into our daily interactions and relationships.
I took this pic of a water Baptism in the Knysna Lagoon, whilst on a cycle on Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, during an early morning cycle through Knysna, I came across a quiet yet powerful moment - a Christian's water baptism taking place in the lagoon. The sky had just begun to open and the light was gentle, casting a calm stillness over the scene. I stopped instinctively, compelled not just by the beauty of the landscape but by the profound sense of meaning in what I was witnessing.
There was something deeply moving about the small gathering of people standing at the water's edge - some waist-deep, others watching with quiet reverence. It was a reminder of new births and fresh starts. Whether it's baptism, marriage, a family tradition or simply the act of coming together to share time and presence, these moments root us in something greater than ourselves.
What struck me most was the quiet unity. No fanfare. No performance. Just community, intention, belief and obedience. And somehow, standing there in my cycling gear, I felt included in it too - as though just witnessing it made me part of the moment.
There's a lesson here, I think, about the value of pausing and noticing. Whether it's the presence of a loved one, the symbolism in a shared moment or the simple beauty of people gathered with purpose - we're richer for taking it in.
While spending time with loved ones over the weekend, another realisation came sharply into focus. It occurred to me just how easy it is to unintentionally let someone quietly drift away - to the edges of our attention. Perhaps it's a friend who hasn't been around much lately, a family member who seems quieter than usual or a colleague who's gradually become distant.
This reminded me vividly of cycling. In group rides it's common practice to ensure everyone stays together. If someone begins to tire or drift behind, another rider gently falls back to support them and gradually brings them safely back into the fold. This isn't just practical; it's a powerful metaphor for how we should approach life and relationships.
Imagine how much stronger our families, friendships and communities would be if we consistently took this deliberate action - if we consciously chose to check in on those who seem quiet, withdrawn or simply out of sight. It doesn't need to be grand gestures either. Often, it's the simplest actions - a quick message, an unexpected phone call or even just inviting someone to join a casual gathering - that mean the most.
So, here's my gentle challenge for this month: take a quiet moment to think about who might have quietly slipped off your radar. Is there someone who used to be present but has become noticeably absent from your day-to-day life? Make a deliberate effort to reach out. Ask genuinely how they are, show sincere interest and let them know they're valued and seen.
You never truly know the depth of impact your kindness might have. A small gesture could completely turn around someone's day, their outlook or even how they feel about themselves and their place in your circle.
That's the remarkable power each of us holds - simply by choosing care, consideration and inclusion.
Wishing you all a thoughtful, grateful and warmly connected rest of your April,
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Warm regards,
Jonathan Broekman
CEO / Principal of Homes of Distinction
Author: Jonathan Broekman
